CSA Editor’s Pick: Levi’s London flagship

By Marianne Wilson

Levi’s has relaunched its London flagship on Regent Street after a massive facelift that has completely transformed the interior. The refurbished two-level, 8,500-sq.-ft. store aims to tell the story of the craft that goes into Levi’s denim making. The store combines authenticity, craftsmanship and storytelling to deliver a complete brand experience -- one that engages customers even as it helps them with the jean-buying experience. All that aside, it’s a pretty cool store.

With a factory-inspired architectural design, the redone Levi’s takes customers on a journey through the brand’s evolution and the history of denim itself. All of the featured materials, which include exposed brick, raw steel, concrete, wood and glass, in some way connect with the essence of the workplace theme.

From the street, customers enter a transition space with reclaimed brick walls that is home to an ever-changing gallery that showcases everything from exclusive product collaborations to art exhibitions. The area works as a bridge between the youthful creativity and the contemporary scene and the artisan workplace.

Customers then move through two sets of huge factory doors to the main-level selling space, home to the latest collections. The space has a clean and industrial look and feel, with furniture and fixtures that are simple, but flexible enough to allow for an ever-changing environment.

A contemporary staircase leads down to the basement level. Backlit glass risers with Levi’s “XX” laser are cut into each tread. Alongside the stairwell is a gallery wall exhibit with a design inspired by glass-fronted storage cabinets. Among the items on display: an original 201 Jean from the 1920s (on loan from Levi’s archives) encased in glass and set against a backdrop of tailor’s patterns. The display speaks volumes about the brand’s longevity and also acts as a visual signpost for the adjacent Levi’s Vintage Clothing collection.

The basement is home to the 501 Jeans warehouse, separated from the rest of the store by floor to ceiling glaze and a mirrored back wall. Some 22 different washes are on display.

Close by is the “Inspection Room,” which is split into zones that allow customers to shop either by fit or finish. To ease the process, key fits and finishes are displayed on tailor’s forms and in illuminated inspection cabinets. A simple-to-follow number and letter navigation system takes customers to stock held in adjacent wall bays.

Among the store’s points of distinction are the fitting rooms, crafted with duck canvas that recalls the original canvas used by Levi Strauss in the 19th century. The doors are scaled versions of the heavyweight industrial doors found at the store entrance. An adjacent display of vintage weaver’s equipment pays homage to the brand’s craft and roots.

Levi’s was designed by Checkland Kindleysides, Cossington, Leicestershire (U.K).